Exhaust Db levels

[smarticus]

What we need as a sticky, is a chart listing the decibel level output from each of the major exhaust systems that are produced as aftermarket replacements. A chart with readings taken inside the car, at the tip, at 10 feet, and at 30 feet, in a large open parking lot would be a really useful to those who might consider buying an exhaust system for their car.
I have a Db meter, but in Little Rock, there are very few smarts and almost none of them have any mods to the exhaust system.
Could anyone with a meter do a check at one of the big meets so that we could create a useful list for people to use?

[rfernatt]

I second such a list!

Until a comprehensive list is created, manufacturers could provide the same db information versus stock. You just can't tell for sure how loud something is from a YouTube clip with the differences in recording equipment. $500 plus is too much to drop on an exhaust just to find you can't live with it on your daily commute.

Any HP gains (with dyno chart) would also be nice. You could then decide to objectively trade off noise vs. HP or the other way around.

[mvaldes]

It'll probably end up getting too complicated, but if you have good packaging, you could mail out the meter to those willing to do the test on their exhaust. (As a safety measure for your, the recipient could make a credit card deposit to your account to be sure someone didn't rip off your meter.) I've got the original version single tip DTH and would be willing to test it if you want to go that route.

[mvaldes]

From a post in another thread:
DTH dual tip decibel data

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Yesterday I recorded DTH dual tip decibel levels at various speeds in my 2008 passion. Windows up, one passenger, level highway, wind dead calm. Insulation: Lowes 3/8" on trunk floor and tailgate compartment. Radio Shack Decibel Sound Level Meter #33-2055 ($49).
Reference:

Normal conversation--60 db
AVG city traffic noise 80 db
motorcycle (25') 88 db
lawnmotor 85-90 db

Sustained steady speed (accelerating will be much louder)

IDLE--warmed up, stationary, in Park--82 db
40 mph, 5th gear--91 db
50 mph 90 db
60 mph 92 db
70 mph 94 db
80 mph 96 db

Prior to in stalling Dynamat Extreme, I will strip the Lowes, and record db levels. After install Dynamat, I will record db levels and post both "no inulation" and Dynamat data in this thread.

Hope this helps.

Louis

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Last edited by louis bolieu; 03-13-2009 at 11:19 AM..


Looking at this post , if a Radio Shack meter at $ 49 actually works with decent accuracy (I thought they'd be hundreds of $), my earlier suggestion makes no sense. It'd be simpler just to buy one for a meet. The results would be much more standardized and thereby more comparable.

[louis bolieu]

check the update to the thread mentioned by mvaldes above, mre details.
Louis